Dhaka, Dec 6 (IANS): An imam was beaten up by worshippers for making derogatory remarks about Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Sirajganj town, a media report said Saturday.
Police said a group of devotees assaulted the Patdhari Purbaparha Mosque's imam, Shariful Islam, after he made "disparaging comments" about the prime minister Friday, bdnews24.com reported.
They said supporters of the clergyman later tried to rescue him from the other group, sparking a clash that injured at least 10 people.
The cleric in the pre-prayer sermon said that "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is trying to oppress the clerics and ruin mosques and madrasas".
His statement evoked instant reaction from a group of devotees.
Later, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.